​Massive changes to visa and business regulations in the UAE have been approved by the Supreme Council. The changes come into effect by the end of the 2018. This allows full foreign ownership of businesses outside of economic free zones and long-term residency visas of up to 10 years for skilled professionals and students. Students dependent on their parents for a visa are now eligible for a two-year residency visa upon graduation, giving them a chance to find jobs locally.

Exempts transit passengers from all entry fees for the first 48 hours, and is easily extendable to 96 hours for Dh50 (around $12.50 USD). This will make travel to the country much easier for nationalities that currently do not have visa-free status.

Many changes to visa overstayers, allowing for exemption of fines for voluntary departures. There will be a 6 month transitional visa extension available for those seeking work. Other changes surround those who entered the UAE illegally.

Another HUGE change is being able to adjust visa status without having to exit the country, which will cut down massively on “visa runs” to re-enter the country on the new visa.

Non-Emiratis can control 100% of companies anywhere in the country, without needing to find a local partner or a free zone. Previously, foreign controlled companies had to have an Emirati partner with 51% ownership of the company, unless they were based out of an economic free zone. There are also some changes with providing deposits per employees for visa purposes, so employers only need to enrol the employees in an insurance scheme instead. This reduces the per employer cost from a mandatory deposit of Dh3,000 per employee to Dh60 per year insurance cost.